Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus is teaching us some important lessons in today’s Gospel. He has just learned about the death of His cousin, John the Baptizer, and withdraws to a quiet place for a while to pray and grieve. In a similar situation, we might do the same. But Jesus doesn’t remain withdrawn. He re-immerses Himself in His ministry and heals the sick and shares the Good News despite His grief. Then Jesus goes a step further and tells His disciples not to send the crowds away to get something to eat. He tells His disciples to feed them. The disciples doubt their own ability to do so, but with Jesus’ help they are able to feed the multitude, and there are leftovers besides.
In life, we will all experience times of grief, but neither death nor any other sadness has the final say. It is normal, even essential, to mourn, but we can’t remain in our grief. We may also doubt our own abilities. Each of us has been entrusted with a unique task to help bring God’s Kingdom to fulfillment. While it might appear to be a daunting task, Jesus gives us in abundance the resources we need. It just takes trust in Him and not only in ourselves. We don’t do things alone. Jesus is with us each step along the way. May our prayer be, Jesus, I trust in You! and then believe it.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
